SAN ANTONIO — A high-tech construction theft ring has been dismantled. Two men were arrested and more than $250,000 in stolen electrical components and copper wiring have been recovered.
The arrests of Rodrine Alexis Garcia Rivera, 31, and Pedro Lozano Moreno, 68, follow a long-term investigation by the Bexar County Sheriff’s Office into an uptick in “neighborhood sweeps,” where thieves target multiple new-construction homes on a single street to strip them of high-value electrical breakers and copper.
“Thieves will come through and wipe out a whole neighborhood,” said Sheriff Javier Salazar. “They’ll go in, cut the wires, and steal all the breakers. Next thing you know, a construction company is out several thousand dollars.”
The Investigation and Raid
Deputies developed information regarding a suspect buying and selling stolen circuit breakers and spools of Romex copper wiring. After observing an illegal transaction, investigators executed search warrants at Rivera’s West Bexar County residence and a related storage unit.
The raid yielded a massive cache of materials, including:
More than 1,000 circuit breakers and breaker panels.Approximately 800 bundles of Romex copper wiring, valued at over $100 each.Three vehicles seized as suspected proceeds of the illegal enterprise.Charges and Suspects
Both men face charges of engaging in organized criminal activity.
Rivera, the primary suspect and resident of the searched home, is also charged with theft between $30,000 and $150,000. He remains in custody at the Bexar County Jail on an immigration detainer.
Moreno is charged with theft between $750 and $2,500. Officials confirmed Moreno has since bonded out of jail.
A Growing Trend
Salazar noted that while this recovery is significant, it represents a “drop in the bucket” compared to the nightly thefts occurring across the county. He highlighted a previous recent case where deputies recovered $100,000 worth of specialized OSB roofing panels.
The sheriff urged homebuilders and individual consumers to tighten security measures to protect their investments.
“The longer you have these materials sitting in a garage or sitting not yet installed, you’re taking a chance,” Salazar said.
He recommended that builders delay deliveries until the day of installation, use locked shipping containers, and maintain active surveillance and lighting on job sites.
Additional arrests are expected as the investigation continues.